Hi All,
I am new to the forum and have to say there is certainly a wealth of information here! I have a new to me 2010 f250 lariat with the 6.4. I have been reading the forums quite a bit learning about the maintenance etc. One question I have is regarding the coolant. I read some posts that the coolant needed to be tested with strips. I found a TSB on the issue but it doesn't seem to apply to the 2010 6.4, can anybody clear this up for me?
Thanks!!

 

What color coolant do you have? I thought the Gold coolant (which is the coolant that requires testing) was phased out by then.

If you have Gold (not yellow, not red, not orange) you may need to test it.

Here is how...

 

Thanks Trey,
Where can I get the strips? Do Napa, Autozone, O'relly's carry them?

 

Another thing, I looked at the TSB you mentioned 09-8-5 and it states:
2003-2005 Excursion
2003-2008 E-350, E-450, E-550, F-Super Duty

so since mine is a 2010 I am guessing it doesn't apply? I also found a "diesel operating and maintenance tips" sheet on the Ford website that states the check should be done for the 6.0 and 6.4 but it doesn't say anything about years....now I am totally confused!!!!!!!

 

Go to NAPA, ford usually does not have the strips. At NAPA they usually have them in a large quantity but that is the easiest solution.

You can test at the degas bottle with the coolant being less than 110F.

You are mostly concerned about the nitrite level.

See the document I have posted.

 

Thanks Senix, do you have a part number for those?

 

The Ford part # for Rotunda is on the PDF sheet. For the Napa strips
the box says 524106. Other side of the box says Napa 4106.

Just ask for coolant test strips for diesels.

Also be sure you get a long stem thermometer so you can ensure you coolant is below the 110F.

Long needle nose pliers to dip the strip in the degas bottle.

 

Thanks again Senix,
Do you test your 2013?

 

2013's do require testing as well but the strips will be different due to the move to Orange coolant for 2011 and models.

I am actually searching for that test kit now.

 

I didnt realize that the new Orange coolant was still a nitrate charged coolant.

Fordfenders, disregard my posts above, they are for GOLD coolant, which was in the 7.3, 6.0 and maybe the 6.4(?).

Looks like senix has you covered. It should be a similar procedure to my video, but I cant make any promises because I've never done it on a 6.7L.

 

I pulled a little fluid out of the degas bottle to see what color it is in the sunlight, looks gold to me so I guess I am off to NAPA.....

 

Well, I went to NAPA, they ordered the strips for me, should be here Monday afternoon.... I went and picked up a thermometer as well. I noticed on my degas bottle that it states to use the "gold" coolant so I guess that answers that one! Thanks for the tips guys, i will keep you posted....

 

Just wondering, can you put ELC OAT in the 6.4 & 6.7 without hurting anything?

 

I know the TSB requires Motorcraftâ Premium Gold Engine
Coolant with Bittering Agent.....does anyone know what color this is? The MSD sheet says clear but I am thinking it is gold colored? Anyone know?

 

It is a light color of gold. Sometimes in certain light it may look yellow to even greenish in the degas bottle.

So the only way to be certain is to pull a sample if you don't know it is the correct fluid.